Meningitis and bacteremia by nonhemolytic Group B Streptococcus strain: A whole genome analysis

Microbiol Immunol. 2020 Sep;64(9):630-634. doi: 10.1111/1348-0421.12826. Epub 2020 Jul 21.

Abstract

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal infections. Most isolates are β-hemolytic, and their activity is considered to be pivotal for GBS pathogenicity. We report a case of a neonate with meningitis caused by nonhemolytic GBS. The patient developed meningitis 3 days after birth. Genotyping was performed and the characteristics of the strain (GCMC97051) identified by whole genome sequence using next generation sequencing. GCMC97051 possesses genetic alterations such as disruption of cylA by IS1381A insertion and a frameshift mutation in cylE, resulting in a lack of hemolysis. Thus, nonhemolytic GBS can retain the potential to cause invasive infections.

Keywords: Streptococcus agalactiae; cylA; meningitis; nonhemolytic strain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Genome, Bacterial*
  • Hemolysin Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Phylogeny
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / classification
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / genetics*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification
  • Virulence Factors / genetics
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Virulence Factors